On the Edge

With the monsoon now setting in, an all-too-familiar anxiety has returned to Sikkim. Landslides, sinking roads, and disruptions along NH10 are once again making headlines. Every year, the story repeats itself. The question is: have we learnt anything from the past?

NH10 is far more than a highway. It is Sikkim’s lifeline, connecting the State to the rest of the country and sustaining its tourism-driven economy. This year witnessed a bumper tourist season, but there is no guarantee that the crucial September-October season will remain unaffected if the road continues to crumble under the pressure of rain and neglect.

The challenge today is not merely one of infrastructure but also of perception. In the age of social media, a single video of stranded vehicles or a post claiming that Sikkim roads are closed can spread across thousands of screens within minutes. Potential visitors do not wait for official clarification; they simply cancel their plans and choose another destination.

Climate change has made matters worse. Monsoon patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable, with heavy rainfall extending well beyond traditional seasons. Yet the response remains largely reactive. Temporary repairs and emergency measures are no longer enough. NH10 requires sustained investment in slope stabilization, better engineering, preventive maintenance, and the development of alternative routes.

Equally important is communication. The absence of timely, credible updates creates a vacuum quickly filled by rumours and misinformation. A robust real-time information system, backed by tourism and disaster management authorities, is no longer optional.

Tourists understand that mountains are fragile and nature is unpredictable. What they seek is confidence that the State is prepared. Sikkim cannot control the rain, but it can control its readiness. The road to development begins with NH10, but the road to trust depends on how effectively the State responds every time that highway gives way.